Improvement in fluid-meters



J. R. NORFOLK.

FLUID METER. No.184,'9 79. Patentgd Dec.5, 1876.

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JOHN R'NORF-OL K, 0F SALEM, 'Ma-ssAoHUsE'rrs.

IMPROVEMENT IN FLUID-METERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 1 84,979, datedDecember 5, 1876; application filed September 20, 1876.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN R. NORFOLK, of Salem, in the county of Essexand Commonwealth of Massachusetts, have invented certain Improvements inFluid-Meters, of which the following is a specification:

My invention relates to the devices employed in efl'ecting theinstantaneous movement of the valve in fluid-meters, and in controllingthe movement of the valve, as will be hereinafter set forth. In thismeter the valve is moved by the recoil of a spring actuated directly bythe piston, and is released or allowed to move at the proper time bylatches, which are also operated by the piston, the object being tocontrol the changes of the valve, so that the measurement is renderedabsolutely correct. This mechanism may be applied to difl'erent forms ofmeters, having one or more measuring-cylinders or diaphragms. In thisapplication I have shown it as combined with two c l'inders, themovement being placed in a c amber between the cylinders.

The drawing represents, in Figure 1, a sectional elevation; in Fig. 2, asectional plan; in Fig. 3, an enlarged plan of the valve-seat, latches,spring for latches, and stirrup.

A represents the casing, which incloses the measuringcylinders D, andalso forms the valve-chamber B. The casing is made of castiron or othersuitable metal. The brass measuring-cylinders D are placedconcentrically within the casing A. O U are the pistons secured to thepiston-rod P. I represents the valve-plate and ports connecting with thecylinders, and showing the passage of the water between thevalve-chamber B, cylinders D, and inlet K, and outlet-pipe L.

As shown in the drawing, the valve 0 is the ordinary form of theD-valve; but any other valve may be used. It is actuated by the recoilof the spring R, which is compressed through the movement of the pistonsG. The spring R, with its stem, is retained in the stirrup G, which ishinged to the valve-plate I. The stirrup being moved by the dog F, whichslides on the piston-rod, at each reciprocation of the piston the springis placed in position to move the valve; but the valve is not moveduntil, by the continued movement of the piston, it is released by thelatch H. The latch H retains the valve in place until the piston hasreached the limit of the movement, which is determined by the length ofthe arm of the latch H. In this way the length of stroke of the pistonis controlled, and the quantity of fluid delivered is constant at eachreciprocation. The latches H are pivoted to the valveplate I, andprovided with a curved arm, so as to be moved by the piston at eachreciprocation, and allowing the valve (which has been previously placedin position to be moved by the spring R) to be released, thus changingthe direction of the current of fluid.-

The use of the latch, in connection with the movement of the valve, isimportant when it is considered that the meter is to be operated undergreatly-varying pressures; and the valve without the latch is liable tomove quicker under a light pressure than when the pressure is heavier.

The latches H are kept in position to engage with the valve by thespring N I am aware that there are various forms of spring-valvemovements used in fluid-meters in which the spring is compressed andmoves the valve by the recoil. I do not claim any of these devices. Inthe arrangement herewith shown and set forth the valve is placed inposition to be moved, and is moved by the recoil of the spring, actingdirectly through the movement of the piston, and in combinationtherewith the latches control the movement of the valve; and the latchesbeing operated by the pistons, it follows that the length of stroke isconstant under any variation of pressure or speed of movement, and thevalve cannot be moved until the stroke is fully completed. Thesimplicity of this valve-movement renders it possible to build the meterat a lower cost than any other piston-meter. The movement is durable,and not likely to get out of order; and the certainty with which thevalve moves, under any range of speed or pressure, makes it an accurateregister of the quantity of fluid passed through it.

I claim as my inventionl. In a fluid-meter, the combination andarrangement-of the spring R with the stirrup G and dog F, operateddirectly by the pistonrod, and used to move the valve 0, substantiallyas set forth.

2. In a fluid-meter, the latches H H, oper- R, of the latches H H, bywhich the moveated by the pistons G I G, for the purpose of ment of thevalve is controlled. controlling the movement of the valve 0,substantially as set forth. l JOHN R. NORFOLK.

3. In a fluid-meter, the combination, with Witnesses: t the mechanismfor moving the valve by the J. A. BASSETT,

direct action of the pistons through the spring I. R. NICHOLS.

